Plum sauce

Plum sauce, also known as duck sauce or plum jam, is a viscous, light brown or orange condiment with a sweet and sour flavor. It is used primarily in Cantonese cuisine as a dip for deep-fried foods such as spring rolls, egg rolls, and especially Peking duck. It can also be used as a glaze for roasted meats.

The primary ingredient of plum sauce is, as the name suggests, plums, often of the Chinese plum variety (Prunus salicina). However, the exact recipe can vary considerably. Other common ingredients include sugar, vinegar, salt, ginger, chili peppers, and sometimes other fruits like apricots or peaches. Some commercially produced plum sauces may also include thickeners such as cornstarch or modified food starch.

The sauce's sweet and tangy flavor profile is achieved through the balance of the fruit's natural sweetness, the acidity of the vinegar, and the savory notes from the spices. Homemade versions allow for greater control over the ingredients and the level of sweetness, spice, and tanginess.

While often associated with Chinese cuisine in the West, variations of fruit-based sweet and sour sauces are found in other Asian culinary traditions as well. Plum sauce provides a contrast in flavor and texture to the often-rich and savory foods it accompanies. It is widely available in Asian grocery stores and many mainstream supermarkets.